Introduction to Hue

Hue - the lost imperial city located on the bank of the Huong River in central Vietnam, was recognized by UNESCO as one of the World Heritage Sites. Under the Nguyen Dynasty, this city served as both the national capital and the political, cultural, and educational hub of Vietnam.

Truong Tien Bridge in the Huong River

Truong Tien Bridge in the Huong River

It is considered to be the birthplace of Vietnamese culture. In order to fully understand and contemplate the beauty of Hue, you have to look carefully into its significant role in Vietnamese history for the past several hundred years. History is the foundation of Hue, and it contributes to the image of Hue nowadays.

Hue Royal Music

Hue Royal Music

The lost imperial city is a combination of traditional and romantic beauty. The Vietnamese mention Hue as a new town on one side of the Huong River (Perfume River), but they also consider this beautiful city the pride of the country, with a collection of old pagodas, imperial buildings, and tombs on the other.

Let’s come with us - Asia Private Travels - on the Hue tours to explore the captivating charm of this city.

Hue Tourism

Currently, Hue is primarily a tourist destination. It's still being worked on in practice. It goes without saying that it is a lovely and energetic city with accommodations, delectable cuisine, and a wide range of interesting activities. Additionally, it is an ideal place for people who are keen on discovering historical attractions.

Imperial Capital Hue

Imperial Capital Hue

Hue, a former imperial capital, is well-known for its numerous royal structures, which in 1993 led to Hue being named Vietnam's first UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site. In particular, the Hue citadel has been the most famous historical destination to visit in Hue. It is the home of Vietnam's last Royal Dynasty.

The square walled complex, with 2.500m on each side, served the royal family and local people to live in the past and present. This is a big area with local people still living there today, and it is surrounded by walls to protect Royal Family members living in the middle (Imperial City and Forbidden City).

Thien Mu Pagoda

Thien Mu Pagoda

Landscapes in Thua Thien-Hue are stunning and incredibly diverse. Bach Ma (White Horse) National Park and other alluring beaches like Thuan An, Lang Co, and Canh Duong are examples of how nature and people can coexist in harmony to create beauty.

Additionally, the province offers a harmonious blend of royal heritage and folk culture. And tourists can find thousands of sophisticated handicrafts that bear the mark of the entire era right in Hue. Hue is also an important center of Buddhism.

There are still hundreds of temples and pagodas from the early 20th century in Hue and its surroundings; there are dozens of pagodas that date back more than 300 years.

Hue Weather

In Hue, there are four distinct seasons because of the tropical monsoon climate, including a cool spring, a scorching summer, a mild fall, and a windy, chilly winter, March through August are considered the dry months. It is hot, and the temperature rarely rises above 39.5°C. September through February are the rainy months.

Shaped Cake in Hue

Shaped Cake in Hue

The temperature is typically 19.7°C, but it can drop as low as 8.8°C. It rains a lot during this time, sometimes all day. The annual temperature ranges from 9 to 29 degrees Celsius in the mountain region.

The best time to visit the area is from November to April. These months are thought of as Hue's springtime when the historical capital's beauty can be seen at its most beautiful.

Hue Transport

If you want to start your Vietnam holidays at Hue, there are three main ways to get to this city.

By plane: Hue’s Phu Bai (HUI) is the domestic airport, and it is about 15 kilometers from Hue city center and presently only serves flights to Ho Chi Minh City, Da Lat, and Hanoi.

By train: Thua Thien-Hue Province is 654km from Hanoi, 1,051km from Ho Chi Minh City, and 85km from Da Nang. On the main Hanoi-Ho Chi Minh City train line's north-south direction, Hue is an express stop. On the southern bank of the Ben Ngu River, at the eastern end of Le Loi Road, is where you'll find the train station.

Train go to Hue

Train go to Hue

Local trains, which are slower but cost less, have the prefix TN, while express trains have the prefix SE. Based on the speed and the needs, you can choose the type of seat you want to have the most comfortable journey to Hue. Asia Private Travels recommends you choose the Thong Nhat Express trains from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh stopping at Hue Railway station.

By bus: Taking the local bus to Hue is an affordable option, but it's also the slowest and most difficult mode of transportation due to the infrequent English-speaking drivers, crowded buses, and lack of air conditioner.

There are many bus operators that can help you get to Hue, but if you want to have the best experience of a bus Vietnam tour, contact Asia Private Travels for updated advice and for the best deals.

Hue accommodation

Hue's most famous attraction, the Imperial City, which is located on the bank of the Huong River - the city's center, can be considered the best place to stay. The vast majority of the city's hotels are located here. As the hub of the city, there is a lot of activity during the day, but at night, this quiets down, and the area is completely silent.

There is no need to travel further because the area has a great selection of close-by eateries, bars, and shops. For customers who want to spend luxurious days in Hue, Azerai La Residence, Indochine Palace Hotel, and Pilgrimage Village Boutique Resort & Spa would be the best options.

Senna Hue Hotel

Senna Hue Hotel

For travelers who want to experience Vietnam family tours near the beach, you should consider which beach you want to stay near, whether it is Thuan An beach, Ham Rong beach, Canh Duong beach, etc. Ana Mandara Hue Beach Resort, Banyan Tree Lang Co, and Vedana Lagoon Resort & Spa are all located nearby the city and the stunning beaches. These resorts are the perfect setting for your ideal tropical getaway.

Hue is a city that is full of stories about Vietnamese culture, religion, and history. You would not want to miss the mysterious and ancient city when spending your Vietnam holidays. Choose us as your companion; we will make your journey joyful and meaningful.

For the latest information related to Hue tours or any other Vietnam tours, contact Asia Private Travels.

Hotels in Hue

Here are some of our travel designers' favourite options

Restaurants In Hue

Find the best Hue restaurant recommendations from our experts

Hue Inn Side out
Hue Inn Side out
16/572 Bui Thi Xuan street, Thuy Bieu ward, Hue City

Escape from the busy city of Hue to a quiet and beautiful spot on the perfume river, Hue Inn Side Out is a charming cooking class in Thuy bieu Village on the bank of  Huong River, with an open mini bar and a beautiful Thanh Tra garden. You can enjoy the cool breeze and the stunning view of the iconic Thien Mu Pagoda overlooking the garden. Hand on your cooking from star to finish and finally,enjoy your handy work in the garden.

Tropical Garden
05 Chu Van An,Hue,Vietnam

Tropical Garden was opened in 1999 and is located in the center of Hue city. From the main gate, inside, there is a small garden dividing into different levels and areas. Live, authentic and traditional Hue music is performed daily.

Tropical Garden
Ancient Hue
Ancient Hue
104/47 Kim Long Street, Hue, VietNam

Located in the Phu Mong area, Ancient Hue was opened in 2007. This is a cultural place with a mixture of ancient and modern design. The restaurant is surrounded by a lotus pond with traditional design which offers guests a peaceful atmosphere and relaxing moments. There are 05 buildings of different sizes and views within the restaurant.

Hanh Restaurant
11 Pho Duc Chinh, Group 8, Phu Hoi, Hue City

Newbies to Hue specialities should start at this busy restaurant. Order the five-dish set menu (120,000d) for a speedy lesson in banh khoai (savoury prawn pancakes), banh beo (steamed rice cakes topped with shrimp and spring onions), and divine nem lui (grilled pork and lemongrass skewers) wrapped in rice paper and herbs. Ask the patient staff how to devour everything.

Hanh Restaurant
Les Jardins de la Carambole
Les Jardins de la Carambole
32 Dang Tran Con, Thuan Hoa, Hue City

This classy French restaurant occupies a gorgeous colonial-style building in the Citadel quarter. The menu majors in Gallic classics and there's a Vietnamese set menu popular with groups. Add a lengthy wine list and informed service, and it's just the place for a romantic meal – arrive by cyclo and it's easy to roll back the years to Indochine times.

Things to do & see in Hue

Things you need to know when travelling to Hue

Asia Private Travels Newsletter